The mountains and foothills of North Carolina are internationally recognized for the natural environment and the rich cultural heritage of Cherokee, traditional music, Appalachian craftsmanship, and agricultural practices.
Together, these things have created a strong sense of place and a unique expression of culture over many generations.
Give today to help keep this special heritage and culture alive!
With the support of partners like you, we support Western North Carolina through:
- Grants—BRNHA has awarded 188 grants totaling over $2.5 million to projects that preserve, interpret, and develop the region’s heritage resources. These awards have leveraged another $5.9 million in matching contributions from the state, local governments, and the private sector in all 25 counties in Western North Carolina.
- Cultural Trails—We preserve and promote our traditional music and craft heritage through the Blue Ridge Music Trails and the Blue Ridge Craft Trails. These programs attract new visitors, enrich communities, stimulate small-town economies, and support artists and organizations that keep our traditions alive.
- Education—Working with partners, we offer training to artists and cultural, conservation, and heritage leaders, and we support the work to give young musicians an opportunity to learn from tradition-bearers through Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) programs.
- Economic Impact—BRNHA and its heritage tourism partners have contributed $2.39 billion to the Western North Carolina economy annually, generating $1.765 million in state and local taxes and supporting 30,000 jobs. (Economic and Community Impact of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area conducted by Primm Research and Magellan Strategy Group.
Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Partnership is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
You may donate online or by check payable to Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, 31 College Place, Suite 120, Asheville, NC 28801.
Use Your IRA to Support WNC’s Natural and Cultural Heritage
If you are 70½ or older, you can distribute your traditional or Roth IRA to the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area tax-free. It’s an efficient way to support the causes that matter to you most.
Contact your tax professional to make arrangements and notify BRNHA of your intentions by emailing Executive Director Angie Chandler at angie@blueridgeheritage.com.
Questions or Ideas About Supporting BRNHA?
Please contact Executive Director Angie Chandler at angie@blueridgeheritage.com.
Financial information about the BRNHA and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 919-814-5400. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
